Structural post

ABSTRACT

A support system includes a structural post, the structural post comprising an open, approximately quadrilateral-shaped cross section comprising four sides and three vertexes. The structural post includes a number of returns formed on ends of a first side and a fourth side of the structural post, the first side and the fourth side defining an open portion of the open, quadrilateral-shaped cross section, and a number of coinings formed on a second side and a third side of the structural post, the second side and the third side sharing a vertex opposite the open portion.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application, Ser. No. 61/730,264, filed Nov. 27, 2012, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Posts may be used in any setting in which a load is to be borne. In vineyards or related agricultural settings, for example, a plant-supporting system, sometimes referred to as a trellis, are provided. A trellis may comprise rows of vertical posts for supporting wires in a horizontal fashion upon which the agricultural products are trained and grown. The vertical posts may support heavy loads such as, for example, large grape vines. The vertical posts may then be subject to stresses or loads that may cause the vertical posts to bend, break, or otherwise fail. Further, in other settings in which structural posts are used, the structural posts may be subjected to other forms of stresses including weather, wind, and weight stresses. These other settings may include, for example, use of posts in signage or as elements in overall systems in which the structural posts are used to carry loads.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate various examples of the principles described herein and are a part of the specification. The illustrated examples are given merely for illustration, and do not limit the scope of the claims.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a structural post o for bearing a load, according to one example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the structural post of FIG. 1 along line A of FIG. 1, according to one example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 3 is a cut away isometric view of the structural post within box B of FIG. 1, according to one example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the structural post within box C of FIG. 1 according to one example of the principles described herein.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As described above, some structural posts may be constructed poorly such that they are unable to withstand stresses or loads placed on them. For example, signage such as large street signs or business signs may be attached to the structural post. In another example, some trellis systems used in agriculture described above may also be used to carry large loads. Therefore, the present disclosure provides for a structural post comprising a that is capable of withstanding relatively higher stresses and heavier loads than previous structural posts. The present disclosure will describe the structural post herein in connection with a trellis system as described above. However, the present structural post has application, and may be used in any setting in which a post is utilized for carrying loads of any kind.

Generally, the present system overcomes the above drawbacks by providing a strong structured post. In one example, the structural post may be used to secure a number of wires supporting the weight of, for example, vegetation along a distance and provides a trellis system without the need for separate fastening devices, hardware, or tools. In this setting of a trellis system, not only does the present system provide a method of constructing a trellis system faster and more efficiently than other systems, but also it provides an added benefit of reducing the chance of lost nuts, bolts, washers, or other small hardware being ingested into expensive harvesting and processing equipment during harvesting and/or in down-stream processes.

Further, the profile of the structural post adds significant strength to the structural post while using lighter gauge steel without compromising strength or performance. The added strength is achieved by returning the two open edges and moving the coined stiffening beads further up on the part towards the crown. In one example, this avoids a number of wire slots used to secure wires to support the weight of, for example, vegetation. Thus, the system allows wire slots to be fabricated into the structural posts without compromising the coined stiffening beads. Additionally, the returns eliminate all sharp areas on the structural post which prolongs the life of the mechanical harvester's beater bars in the setting of a trellis system, and reduces damage to other items in the environment in other settings.

As used in the present specification and in the appended claims, the term “a number of” or similar language is meant to be understood broadly as any positive number comprising 1 to infinity; zero not being a number, but the absence of a number.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present systems and methods. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present apparatus, systems, and methods may be practiced without these specific details. Reference in the specification to “an example” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that example is included as described, but may not be included in other examples.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a structural post (100) for bearing a load, according to one example of the principles described herein. Within, for example, a trellis system, a second end (104) of a number of structural posts (100) opposite a first end (102) may be driven into the ground along, for example, a row of vegetation such as, for example, a row of grape vines within a vineyard. In one example, the second end (104) of the structural posts (100) may comprise a spaded edge or other element formed to assist in the insertion of the second end (104) into the ground.

The structural post (100) may comprise an overall length (106). The overall length (106) may vary depending on the application of the structural post (100) as a load bearing device. For example, in an agricultural setting described above, the overall length (106) may vary depending on what type of vegetation the structural posts (100) of the trellis system are used. In one example, the structural posts (100) may have an overall length of between 24 inches (in) and 120 in. In another example, the structural posts (100) may have an overall length of approximately 96 in. However, the overall length (106) of the structural post may be any length to best fit a particular type of vegetation. In this example, the overall length (106) of the structural post (100) may be longer or shorter than approximately 96 in. dependant on what vegetation the trellis system is being constructed for.

The structural post (100) may further comprise a number of wire slots (120) for carrying trellis wires generally designated with 120. In one example, a single wire slot (120) is formed along the length of the structural post (100). In another example, a plurality of wire slots (120) are formed along the length of the structural post (100). The wire slots (120) may be located on any portion of the structural post (100). In one example, the wire slots (120) are located along a spine or vertex of the structural post (100) and will be described in more detail below and in connection with FIG. 4.

A first wire slot (120-1) may be located a first length (108) from the terminal of the first end (102) of the structural post (100). In one example, the first length (108) may be between 0.5 in. and 12 in. with respect to the terminal of the first end (102) and the location of the first wire slot (120-1). In another example, the first length (108) may be between 0.5 in. and the remainder of the length of the structural post (100) with respect to the terminal of the first end (102) and the location of the first wire slot (120-1). In still another example, the first length (108) may be approximately 2 in. with respect to the terminal of the first end (102) and the location of the first wire slot (120-1).

A second length (110) may define the distance between a number of the wire slots (120). In one example, the second length (110) may be between 0.5 in. and 24 in. In another example, the second length (110) may be approximately 6 in. However, the second length (110) may be any distance as best fits the vegetation for which the trellis system is being employed.

Further, in another example, the spacing between the number of wire slots (120) may be irregular or non-uniform along the length of the structural post. This may assist a cultivator with providing a best fit trellis system for a particular type of vegetation where that particular vegetation does not require a trellis wire at heights at regular intervals. Further, the irregular or non-uniform placement of wire slots (120) along the length of the structural post (100) may be based on the harvesting elements such as beater bars of the cultivator where the slots are positioned along the length of the structural post (100) to accommodate the harvesting elements of the cultivator.

A third length (112) may define the distance between a second wire slot (120-2) from the terminal of the first end (102) and a last wire slot (120-3) closest to the terminal of the second end (104) of the structural post (100). Thus, the addition of the first (108), second (110), and third (112) lengths define the distance from the terminal of the first end (102) and the last wire slot (120-3) closest to the terminal of the second end (104). Further, addition of the second (110) and third (112) lengths define the distance between the first wire slot (120-1) closest to the terminal of the first end (102) and the last wire slot (120-3) closest to the terminal of the second end (104) that are formed along the length of the structural post (100).

A fourth length (114) defines the distance between the last wire slot (120-3) and the terminal of the second end (104) of the structural post. In one example, the fourth length (114) may be between 6 in. and 60 in. In another example, the fourth length (114) may be approximately 40 in. In still another example, the fourth length (114) may be a length that best fits the environment in which the trellis system is employed. In this example, the length of the fourth length (114) may depend on the type of soil into which the structural post (100) is being driven. Soils with more clay may more securely retain the structural post (100) in the ground so as to require a relatively shorter fourth length (114) relative to, for example, a soil with relatively less clay content. Thus, the fourth length (114) may be defined to be as long as needed to secure the structural post in the ground and provide a distance from the ground to the last wire slot (120-3) that may be utilized in the growing of the vegetation to which the trellis system is being applied.

Moving to the next figure, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the structural post (100) of FIG. 1 along line A of FIG. 1, according to one example of the principles described herein. The structural post (100) comprises an open, approximately quadrilateral-shaped cross section (200). The open quadrilateral-shaped cross section (200) comprises an approximately square or diamond shape with one vertex missing, defining an opening (202) that runs along at least a portion of the length of the structural post (100). In one example, the opening (202) may close between the last wire slot (120-3) and the terminal of the second end (104) of the structural post (100) to provide stability to the structural post (100).

The open quadrilateral-shaped cross section (200) of the structural post (100) may have a height (204) and a width (206). In one example, the height (204) of the cross section (200) of the structural post may be between 0.5 in. and 2 in. In another example, the height (204) of the cross section (200) may be approximately 1.52 in. The width (206) of the cross section (200) of the structural post may be between 0.5 in. and 2.5 in. In another example, width (206) of the cross section (200) may be approximately 2 in. However, the height (204) and width (206) of the cross section (200) of the structural post (100) may be any number of lengths.

The open quadrilateral-shaped cross section (200) of the structural post (100) comprises a first vertex (208), a second vertex (210), and a third vertex (212). The open quadrilateral-shaped cross section (200) of the structural post (100) further comprises first (213), second (215), third (217), and fourth sides (219). Due to the opening (202) in the structural post (100), the first (213) and fourth (219) sides are relatively shorter than the second (215) and third (217) sides.

In one example, the ends of the first (213) and fourth (219) sides closest to the opening (202) each terminate with an overturned curved flange portion referred to as a return (222). The returns (222) strengthen the structural post (100). Further, in the context of a trellis system, the returns (222) prevent premature wear of harvesting equipment as described above. In harvesting the fruit of some types of vegetation, harvesters use beater bars that beat the vegetation in order to remove the fruit. During harvesting, the beater bars come in contact with the structural posts (100), and may be damaged by the structural posts (100) if the structural posts (100) did not comprise the returns (222), or otherwise comprise sharp edges.

The open quadrilateral-shaped cross section (200) of the structural post (100) further comprises a number of wire slots (220-1, 220-2, 220-1, 220-2) for carrying trellis wires. In one example, a series of wires are incorporated into the system by inserting each wire into a corresponding wire slot (220) on the structural post (100). A wire is inserted through a first wire slot (204-1) located on the first side (213) of the structural post (100) and exits the structural post (100) through a second wire slot (220-2) on the second side (215) of the structural post (100). Further, each of the wire slots (220) includes upper and lower carrying portions for maintaining the wire in place as described in more detail in connection with FIG. 4.

After the series of trellis wires are incorporated into the system, the wires are anchored to the ground. The wires are anchored to the ground at the ends of rows of crops either directly or to an intermediary endpost. In this manner, the wires positioned as above described support grapes or other crops for proper growth, ripening, and ease of harvesting.

Additionally, another trellis wire may be inserted on the opposite side of the structural post (100) through a fourth wire slot (204-4) located on the fourth side (219) of the structural post (100) and exits the structural post (100) through a third wire slot (220-3) on the third side (217) of the structural post (100) wherein each of the wire slots (220) includes upper and lower carrying portions for maintaining the wire in place. As mentioned above, after the series of wires are incorporated into the system, the wires are anchored to the ground. The wires are anchored to the ground at the ends of rows of crops either directly or to an intermediary endpost. In this manner, the wires positioned as above described support grapes or other crops for proper growth, ripening, and ease of harvesting.

In one example, the structural post (100) includes coining (235-1, 235-2) portions along its length to add significant strength to the profile for the structural post (100) while using lighter gauge steel without compromising strength or performance. As mentioned above, the added strength is achieved by returning the two open edges (222) and moving the coined (235-1, 235-2) stiffening beads further towards the second vertex (210). Thus, the system allows wire slots (220) to be fabricated into structural post without compromising the coined (235-1, 235-2) stiffening beads.

In one example, the coining portions (235-1, 235-2) include a first side coining (235-1) located on the second side (215) of the structural post (100) and a second side coining (235-2) located on the third side (217) of the structural post (100). The coinings (235-1, 235-2) add to the strength of the structural posts (100). In another example, the first side coining (235-1) may have a center (230-2) located less than ½in. from the second vertex (210) and extend a radius (230-1) of ⅛in. in either direction from the center (230-2) of the first side coining (235-1). In still another example, the first side coining (235-1) may have a center (230-2) closer or further from the second vertex (210) and have a radius (230-1) larger or smaller than the example given above as long as the wire slot (220-2) does not extend into the first side coining (235-1) portion. Thus, the first side coining (235-1) may extend the entire length of the structural post (100) providing the added advantage of increased strength of the structural post (100) while using a lighter gauge of steel.

The given example above may be mirrored to a second side coining (235-2) located on the third side (217) of the structural post (100), wherein the second side coining (235-2) is centered at (230-4) and has a radius (230-3). Additionally, the various coinings (235-1, 235-2) of the structural posts (100) may be formed by roll-forming, punching, stamping, cutting, or other forms of metal working.

FIG. 3 is a cut away isometric view of the structural post within box B of FIG. 1, according to one example of the principles described herein. The various components of the above described system such as, for example, the structural post (300) may be constructed using any suitable material comprising sufficient strength to maintain the integrity of the connection between a number of structural posts (300) to support the crops during growth and harvesting. In one example, the components are constructed using high strength steel, which affords sufficient strength to accomplish the cited requirements of the structural post (300). While high strength steel may be the material for fabrication, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other materials may be used such as, for example, other metals and metal alloys, plastics, polymers, fiberglass, carbon fiber reinforced plastics, resins, or combinations thereof. In one example, the structural posts (300) are made of 11 to 14 gauge (310), roll-formed steel. In another example, the structural posts (300) are made of 12 or 13 gauge (310), roll-formed steel. Further, in another example, the structural posts (300) are made of coated (340) steel or uncoated steel. Further, the various components of the structural post (100), such as the coining (335) and the returns (322), among other components may be formed by roll-forming, punching, stamping, cutting, or other forms of metal working.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the structural post within box C of FIG. 1, according to one example of the principles described herein. In an example, the wire slots (420) may be formed at various points on the structural post (100) as described in connection with FIG. 1. Each of the wire slots (420) comprises upper (407) and lower (406) carrying portions for maintaining the wire in place. An opening (409) creates an aperture for insertion of a trellis wire into the wire slot (420) on the structural post (100), after which the wire occupies the upper (407) or lower (406) carrying portions. Further, the various wire slots (420) may be formed by punching, stamping, cutting, or other forms of metal working.

In one example, the size of the wire slot (420), including the upper (407) and lower (406) carrying portions as well as the opening (409) for insertion of the wire into the wire slot (420) may be manufactured to accommodate a number of wire sizes as best fits the vegetation for which the trellis system is being employed. In one example the wire slot (420) may be manufactured to accommodate a 13 gauge wire, such that a 13 gauge wire may be inserted into the opening (409) of the wire slot (420) and inserted into the upper (407) or lower (406) carrying portions of the wire slot (420). In another example, the wire slot may be manufactured to accommodate a 6 gauge wire, such that the 6 gauge wire may be inserted into the opening (409) of the wire slot (420) and inserted into the upper (407) or lower (406) carrying portions of the wire slot (420). Alternatively, the wire slot (420) may be manufactured to accommodate a number of wire gauges in which a number of wire gauges may be inserted into the opening (409) and upper (407) or lower (406) carrying portions of the wire slot (420). The upper (407) and lower (406) carrying portions as well as the opening (409) for insertion of the wire into the wire slot (420) also prevent the wire from sliding out of the opening (409) if pushed upward or downward by some disturbance to the wire such as may occur during the harvesting of the plants or crops.

Although the present structural post has been described in connection with its utility in agricultural settings as a component of a trellis system, the structural post may be used in any setting in which a load may be borne by the structural post. For example, the structural post may be used in connection with signage.

The foregoing description of various examples of the present system has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present system to the precise form disclosed, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching without deviating from the spirit and the scope of the present system. The examples described are selected to best explain the principles of the present system and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present system in various examples and with various modifications as suited to the particular purpose contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the present system be defined by the claims appended hereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A support system comprising: a structural post, the structural post comprising an open, approximately quadrilateral-shaped cross section comprising four sides and three vertexes, the structural post comprising: a number of returns formed on ends of a first side and a fourth side of the structural post, the first side and the fourth side defining an open portion of the open, quadrilateral-shaped cross section; and a number of coinings formed on a second side and a third side of the structural post, the second side and the third side sharing a vertex opposite the open portion.
 2. The trellis system of claim 1, further comprising a number of wire slots defined along the length of the structural post to accommodate trellis wires.
 3. The trellis system of claim 2, in which the wire slots are formed on a first vertex of the open quadrilateral-shaped cross section of the structural post.
 4. The trellis system of claim 2, in which the wire slots are formed on a third vertex of the open quadrilateral-shaped cross section of the structural post.
 5. The trellis system of claim 2, in which the wire slots comprises an upper carrying portion to prevent the trellis wires from sliding out of an opening that creates an aperture for insertion of the trellis wire into the wire slots.
 6. The trellis system of claim 2, in which the wire slots comprises a lower carrying portion to prevent the trellis wires from sliding out of an opening that creates an aperture for insertion of the trellis wire into the wire slots.
 7. The trellis system of claim 1, in which the comings comprises a center and an extended radius in either direction of the center of the coining, in which the comings are located closer to the vertex opposite the open portion relative to vertexes adjacent to the open portion.
 8. The trellis system of claim 1, in which the number of returns formed on the ends of the first side and the fourth side of the structural post do not extend into a number of wire slots defined along the length of the structural post to accommodate trellis wires.
 9. A structural post comprising: an open, approximately quadrilateral-shaped cross section comprising four sides and three vertexes, the structural post comprising; a first length; a second length; a third length; a fourth length; an overall length; a number of returns formed on ends of a first side and a fourth side of the structural post, the first side and the fourth side defining the open portion of the quadrilateral-shaped cross section; a number of comings formed on a second side and a third side of the structural post, the second side and the third side sharing a second vertex; and a number of wire slots defined along the length of the structural post to accommodate trellis wires; in which the first length is a distance between a location of a first wire slot and a terminal of a first end of the structural post; in which the second length is a distance between a number of wire slots; in which the third length is a distance between a second wire slot from the terminal of the first of the structural post end and a last wire slot closest to the terminal of the second end of the structural post; in which the fourth length is a distance between the last wire slot and the terminal of the second end of the structural post; in which the overall length is a distance between the terminal of the first end of the structural post and the terminal of the second end of the structural post.
 10. The trellis post of claim 9, in which the first length is between 0.5 inches (in) and 12 in.
 11. The trellis post of claim 9, in which the second length is between 0.5 in and 24 in.
 12. The trellis post of claim 9, in which the fourth length is between 6 in. and 60 in.
 13. The trellis post of claim 9, in which the overall length of the structural post is between 24 in. and 120 in.
 14. The trellis post of claim 9, in which the second end comprises a spaded edge to assist in the insertion of the second end of the structural post into the ground.
 15. The trellis post of claim 11, in which the second length is irregular or non-uniform along the length of the structural post.
 16. The trellis post of claim 11, in which the second length is spaced at regular intervals along the length of the structural post.
 17. A trellis system comprising; a structural post, the structural post comprising an open quadrilateral-shaped cross section, the structural post comprising; a number of coinings formed on a second side and a third side of the structural post, the second side and the third side sharing a vertex opposite an opening defined in the structural post by a missing vertex between a first side and a fourth side of the structural post; and a number of wire slots defined along the length of the structural post to accommodate trellis wires; in which the opening runs along at least a port of the length of the structural post.
 18. The trellis system of claim 17, further comprising a number of returns formed on ends of the first side and the fourth side of the structural post.
 19. The trellis system of claim 18, in which the number of returns do not extend into the number of wire slots.
 20. The trellis system of claim 17, in which the coining comprises a center and an extended radius in either direction of the center of the coining. 